Barbie Finally Got the Non-Skinny, Non-White Makeover We've All Been Waiting For

Are you represented?

One size no longer fits all when it comes to Barbie. That is, at least, according to Time's exclusive report that Mattel will soon introduce three new body types for the iconic doll: tall, petite, and curvy. The brand will also be introducing customizable skin colors and hair types. Yes, now you can even have a blue-haired Barbie.

Writer Eliana Dockterman examines how beauty ideals have changed and takes a look inside Mattel, talking to designers, researchers, and executives at the company's California headquarters in the behind-the-scenes report. And apparently this brand overhaul is anything but sudden — it's been in the works for some time under a secret name: Project Dawn.

"The company hopes that the new dolls, with their diverse body types, along with the new skin tones and hair textures introduced last year, will more closely reflect their young owners’ world," Eliana writes. "But the initiative could also backfire — if it’s not too late altogether."

She also points out that introducing these new body types is a "massive risk for Mattel."

"They’ll all be called Barbie, but it’s the curvy one — with meat on her thighs and a protruding tummy and behind — that marks the most startling change to the most infamous body in the world."

Time also spoke to mothers and children about what they thought of the new dolls, and, as you might expect, reactions were mixed. Some thought Barbie looked "cute" as a thicker model, while other mothers admit that they wish Mattel had gone further and made Barbie even "curvier."

Look, we're all for celebrating beautiful bodies in whatever shape they come in, but we do take some issue with the naming. First and foremost, why do we have to label the bodies as curvy, petite, and tall? Why can't they all just be Barbie, without dividing them into separate categories?

But introducing different skin and hair colors? Brilliant. And the fact that Barbie now wears flats? Yeah, no kidding. Much more likely. Sure, these changes aren't perfect, and uh, took almost 60 years to realize, but they're an important start.

Still, we have to ask: why couldn't Barbie just be 'average-sized' to begin with? Obviously Barbie's current proportions are a bit ridiculous. Your vital organs would be crushed if you actually looked like that, but introducing different categories and attempting to slot all body types into just three different headlines is also a bit concerning. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, Mattel.

The new dolls will be sold on Barbie.com starting today, and yes, the original busty, thin-waisted model will also still be available.